BMW returns to DTM in 2012

BMW has officially confirmed that the brand will be making its comeback to DTM in 2012, putting an end to months of speculation.

The intention to make the return had already been announced in April. Since then BMW has been in negotiations with DTM chiefs, Audi and Mercedes during the summer discussing the series' future regulations before fully committing.

BMW will comeback to the DTM races in 2012, ending an eighteen year absence from the touring car championship.

According to Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW AG board member, "The return of BMW to the DTM is a fundamental part of the restructuring of our motorsport activities. With its increased commitment to production car racing, BMW is returning to its roots. The race track is the perfect place to demonstrate the impressive sporting characteristics of our vehicles against our core competitors in a high-powered environment. The DTM is the ideal stage on which to do this."

A very happy happy man, BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen was very pleased to finally be able to confirm the return of BMW to DTM.

"The entire team at BMW Motorsport is approaching this exciting project with absolute commitment," he said. "We began making technical preparations following our declaration of intent in April, and established parameters for a high-performance vehicle concept for deployment in the DTM. The positive decision of the BMW board of management means we can now shift up a gear and give the green light for development."

For its return to DTM, BMW has already confirmed its intentions to use the M# model as the base car for its DTM challenger.

DTM boss Hans Werner Aufrecht welcomed the arrival of BMW to the series alongside Mercedes and Audi.

"We welcome the decision by BMW to enter the DTM from 2012," he said. "This is a further milestone for the future of our popular racing series and proves our efforts over the past few years have paid off.”

"I am personally looking forward to again seeing the three premium brands of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz competing against each other on the race track. Our fans have waited a long time for this," added Aufrecht.